As an NQT, managing your own classroom can be a shock to the system, but with these tips you’ll be prepared for the challenging, motivating and rewarding educating adventure ahead of you.
Rewards & Punishment
Teaching is one thing. Teaching your students to respect through behavioural management is another. You must incorporate all policies advised by the school you are working at and intertwine them with effective approaches you have picked up during your training. Remember positive reinforcement works well in most situations and you must also establish clear ground rules from your very first day and be confident with boundaries you set.
Ask for Help
Every Teacher you work with was once an NQT too, so make sure you ask for their help or advice if you need it. Don’t allow your problems to build up and keep communication open between yourself and your colleagues so you are all on the same page and rules can be followed through by all.
Paperwork
Although it can be monotonous, keeping up with your paperwork is an essential part of teaching. It may seem excessive to note any incidents that occur in your classroom and to keep up with assessment grades of your students, but it’s integral to you progress and the progress of those you teach.
Communication
As well as communicating well with your colleagues and pupils, you should also be aware of the importance of communication with parents and guardians. By having regular meetings with the people who take care of your pupils outside school, you are opening up the lines of interaction. Make yourself known to them and available as much as possible.
Develop a Relationship with Every Student
School can be a very tricky time for many children and young people, so reinforcing the fact that you are a trusted authority figure is priceless. Children often feel venerable and negative towards learning and school and it is your job to highlight that this is not the case. Your students should feel comfortable enough to approach you if they are having any issues whether academic, personal or otherwise. Also, if you really want to go the extra mile, take an active interest in the hobbies and pastimes of your students to initiate conversation and relationships with them.
Seating Plans
Never underestimate the power of this! If you want to enforce rules and discipline, there is no better place to begin that a seating plan! They keep the learning and relationships of your pupils fresh and help you separate children that are likely to distract each other, often giving them the best chance of achieving possible.
You Can’t Control Everything
Starting every day with a new pair of eyes is an amazing tool to keep you and your students motivated. You will be able to look past the behavioural problems and academic disappointments of your pupils and push your training and career in a positive direction.
Everybody makes mistakes from time to time and there is always more you can do for those that you teach. Following these tips, those you’ve picked u during your training and those you learn as you go, will allow you to grow as a teacher and cause your students to grow as learners and young people.
